Community
Israel’s President Herzog speaks with Australian Jewish community leaders following Sydney terrorist attack
President Isaac Herzog spoke to David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, and Rabbi Levi Wolff, the rabbi of the Central Synagogue in Sydney, earlier today (14 December), following the horrific terror attack targeting a Chanukah event in Sydney.
During the calls, Herzog expressed the profound shock and sorrow felt across Israel in the wake of the attack, which struck the Jewish community as they gathered to mark the first night of Chanukah.
He conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the entire Israeli nation to the families of those murdered, prayers for the recovery of the wounded, and solidarity with the Australian Jewish community at this devastating moment.
Herzog said to Ossip, “We are utterly shocked and bereaved. The entire nation of Israel feels that its heartbeat has stopped. On behalf of the state of Israel and the people of Israel, please convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and our prayers for the recovery of the wounded. We stand with you, and we are here for you.”
Ossip briefed the president on the grave situation on the ground, describing the deadly attack at a Chanukah gathering in Sydney, the loss of life including a senior rabbi, and the immediate steps taken to place the community in lockdown amid ongoing security concerns.
Herzog emphasised his confidence in the leadership of the Australian Jewish community and reiterated Israel’s unwavering support. “We trust your leadership and your strength. You will do whatever is needed to ensure the safety of the community. Please know that the state of Israel stands alongside you.”
Ossip thanked the Israeli president for the call, noting the strength and reassurance drawn from Israel’s solidarity at such a painful time.
President Herzog concluded by urging resilience and unity, saying, “Be strong. We will remain in close contact. Shalom, my friend.”
In his call with Wolff, Herzog conveyed his deepest condolences on the murder of a Chabad rabbi in the attack.
Herzog shared words of strength with Wolff, affirming that “the Jewish people never give up. We are an eternal people, and the candles will be lit again as of tomorrow, again and again, all over the world.”
Wolff responded that, even amid the terrible pain of this moment, “we have shown over the years that no-one can hold us down, and we will move on stronger.”
Daphne Jansen
December 17, 2025 at 8:00 pm
We are with you and feel your pain. We will continue to pray for the safety and protection of all Jewish people all over the world.
What people must learn is that as humans we are all equal and created equally. Peace of The Lord be with you always. 🙏
Paul Harris
January 28, 2026 at 6:13 pm
As someone who left South Africa in 1998 and made good with nothing and who lived in both Sydney and Melbourne and extensively in New Zealand as well in Wellington, Hamilton and Cambridge. I would like to offer a very sobering perspective. Unfortunately for us we are used to sucking it up! I was materially involved with the Wellington community and that of the Waikato. For a time as the orthodox contingent many of the chagim were celebrated in my home. The ANZ Jewish experience is over for me. I’m not someone who copes well with denial. No matter how loud they scream or protest the jews are just not welcome and are seen by the Australians and indeed the kiwis as social pariahs. Most of the Jewish community is so insular that they lack the optics they need to be able to make an informed decision about their future. This is endemic and largely pervasive within the entire Diaspora. We just don’t realise how enigmatic we are to “them” . Unfortunately there is no amount of assimilation that will change this because we are “The Jews”. Its a thing! And there are those among us who do not see ourselves and who behave abominably through our affluence and perceived status believing that we have now earned the right to be included. Well, it doesn’t take much to see that the outcome is very different from what we might have hoped. The Australian Jewish leadership are all known to me personally. Many of them are ex South Africans like myself and were prominent here before emigrating. This current situation adds insult to injury. Last week I made the smart decision. I came back. Smart? Yes smart, because the SA J comm is unlike any other community in the world. We stick together, I still have friendships that have lasted longer than 26 years of exile and I have been welcomed back with open arms. I retain my business interests there and am fortunate to have a global opportunity but SA is my home and where my roots are and for those of you who are reading this let it be message of hope to you all because while our infrastructure is decidedly broken here our soul has remained 100% intact and I can tell you unequivocally that the same is not true for Australia or New Zealand. In South Africa the only way is up and times are changing mo matter how slowly. When the indigenous people and the youth start demanding change it becomes inevitable. Kudos to those of you who toughed it out. My greatest mistake was leaving but admitting it is not beyond me and I am back to stay for good! What that may be worth time will tell but I am a doer not a a talker and will put my dollars where my mouth is. I was fortunate to receive a Jewish education as a fully sponsored child because my father passed away in Grade 2. Payback is coming! Behatzlecha! Paul Harris